Events for Jan. 30 – Feb. 13

Place: English Congregational United Church of Christ, Third and Rhodes streets

Cost: $10

More information: 630-556-3986

Each meal includes a pulled pork barbecue sandwich, beans, coleslaw and a corn muffin. Food prepared by South Moon BBQ. Children's hot dog meals will be available for $2. Dine in or carry-out. Reservations are recommended; there will be a limited number of tickets at the door.

CORTLAND

Preschool Story Time

Time: 10 a.m.

Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Jan. 30

Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road

More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com

For children 3 and older. No registration required.

First Grade & Up Story and Craft

Time: 4 p.m.

Date: Every Thursday; next, Jan. 31

Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road

More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com

Registration required.

DeKALB

Toddler Time

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 30

Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org

Stories and songs for infants, toddlers and caregivers. A craft time will be held immediately after story time. No registration required.

Lynne Thomas, curator of Rare Books and Special Collections at Founders Memorial Library at Northern Illinois University, will page through large and fragile volumes from the collection, allowing visitors a rare up-close glimpse.

Teacher in the Library

Time: 4 – 5:15 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 30

Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250

Students in grades 3 through 5 in the DeKalb School District can receive help with homework assignments from a retired school teacher. Limit five students per session; registration is required. Sign up by phone, online or at the youth services desk. There is no charge for the tutoring.

Free Community Meal

Time: 5 – 7 p.m.

Date: Every Wednesday; next, Jan. 30

Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.

More information: www.feedemsoup.org

For transportation, call 815-293-7433. Jan. 30 menu is white chicken chili or venison chili with cornbread. Diners can pay what they can; those who cannot pay can eat for free.

String, wind, brass and percussion musicians ages 14 to 20 can visit a rehearsal of the CSA Sinfonia ensemble to see if the group is right for them.

Bilingual Story Time

Time: 11 a.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 31

Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org

A new story time for infants through age 5, featuring stories, songs and puppet play in Spanish and English. Native speakers of both languages can experience and appreciate stories and songs in a new language. Translations will be available.

Blood Drive

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 31

Place: Northern Illinois University School of Nursing, 1240 Normal Road

Victim Advocacy Services at the Women's Resource Center at Northern Illinois University will sponsor this program in recognition of Stalking Awareness Month. Student organizations and departments will show how and why they say “no” to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking at NIU.

Based on a play written by Bertolt Brecht, a middle-aged German actress and her friends in the early 1930s fearfully witness the fall of the socialist Weimar Republic and the rise of Adolph Hitler. A subplot tells the story of Zillah, a 1990s New Yorker who believes that Ronald Reagan is becoming like Hitler.

Nooks and Crannies: The Library Tour

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 1

Place: DeKalb Public Library

Meet at the fireplace at 6:30 p.m. and take an in-depth tour of every corner of the historic building. Light refreshments will be served after the tour.

Jazz in Progress Concert

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 1

Place: Westminster Presbyterian Church

Jazz in Progress is a nonprofit community jazz band that exists to support local musical, charitable and educational organizations. This concert is free; donations will be accepted to benefit the DeKalb Music Boosters.

Diabetes: Self Management

Time: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Dates: Feb. 2 and 9

Place: Kish Hospital's Diabetes Education Center

More information: 815-748-8378 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Learn the latest in diabetes care. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: First Saturday of each month; next, Feb. 2

Place: City lot 3, corner of Grove and South Fourth streets

Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.

An opening reception for an exhibit of oil pastel paintings by local artist Eileen Bosic. The exhibit will be displayed through Feb. 28.

Preventing Falls

Time: Noon – 1 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 4

Place: Unlimited Performance Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine

More information: 815-748-8900 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

While many factors contribute to falls, aging does not have to be one of them. Learn about common causes of falls and how to reduce risk. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

'Do Your Feet Swell?'

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 4

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Podiatric surgeon Shane York leads this discussion about foot injuries and other potential causes of foot pain and swelling. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

'Acres of Change' History Presentation

Time: 2 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 5

Place: Barb City Manor activity room, 680 Haish Blvd.

More information: 815-756-8444

Barry Schrader will give a presentation about a soon-to-be-released book on DeKalb County history to the FRIENDS of Barb City Manor. After the presentation, there will be a brief business meeting and refreshments. The public is invited.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Blood Pressure

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 5

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Cardiologist Jagdish Patel explains how to lower blood pressure and decrease the need for medication. Registration is required and closes three days before program date.

Swing Dancing

Time: 7 – 11 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 5

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

Cost: $5

More information: http://barbcityswing.com

No partner needed, casual dress. Leather-soled shoes recommended. The evening begins with a swing dance lesson at 7 p.m., then social dancing.

Lace Making Workshop

Time: 5 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 6

Place: Northern Illinois University Visual Arts Building 111

More information: 815-753-1936 or hgreen2@niu.edu

Artist April Dauscha will speak from 5 to 6 p.m., then the workshop will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. The workshop is limited to 15 participants, high-school age or older. Materials will be provided. Registration is required by Feb. 1.

Open Mic Poetry Reading

Time: 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 7

Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315, Northern Illinois University

More information: 815-753-1936 or hgreen2@niu.edu

Readers are invited to read favorite or original poems on the themes of vice and virtue. Those planning to read are asked to register in advance.

Blues Gone Wild

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: First Thursday of each month; next, Feb. 7

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

More information: 815-787-9547 or http://thehousecafe.net

Monthly blues jam. Come to listen or to play. All-ages show.

Brian Posehn

Time: 9 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 8

Place: Otto's Niteclub, 118 E. Lincoln Highway

Tickets: $20

Stand-up comedy by Brian Posehn. This performance is rescheduled from a postponed show scheduled for Oct. 8, 2010; tickets purchased for that performance will be honored. Posehn traveled on the Comedians of Comedy tour, and his television appearances include Mr. Show, the Sarah Silverman Program, Seinfeld, Friends, Just Shoot Me, Reno 911 and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

Barnabas Caregiver Training

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Trinity Lutheran Church, 303 S. Seventh St.

More information: 815-761-7285

Free, one-day training offering personal growth and skills to care for people in every setting.

Egyptian Theatre Haunted Tour

Time: 10 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Cost: $42 before Feb. 4; $50 after

More information: 815-758-1215 or www.egyptiantheatre.org

Explore the theater late at night with paranormal investigators.

Sen. Dave Syverson Reception

Time: 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 11

Place: Kishwaukee Country Club

More information: 815-381-0006 or maryw@senatordavesyverson.com

Congressman Adam Kinzinger, State Rep. Robert Pritchard and Doug Whitley, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce will speak. RSVP by Feb. 7.

Basic Bike Clinic

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 11

Place: North Central Cyclery, 534 E. Lincoln Highway

More information: 815-758-2403 or www.northcentralcyclery.com

Learn to do basic bike maintenance, including making basic adjustments, cleaning, lubricating and fixing a flat tire, at this free clinic. RSVPs are requested.

Caring for Your Heart

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 11

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Cardiologist Tara Atta, MD, will talk about heart conditions, medications, screening and noninvasive testing options. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Glidden Homestead Annual Meeting

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 11

Place: Glidden Homestead Welcome Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway

Officers and board members will be installed in a brief business meeting. The event will also include a presentation by homestead blacksmiths, recognition of those who have donated items to the museum and a review of 2012. A birthday cake honoring Joseph Glidden's 200th birthday will be served.

Fat Tuesday at the Cancer Center

Time: Noon – 3:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 12

Place: The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital

More information: 815-748-2958

From noon to 1 p.m., a presentation on the genetics of cancer will cover common hereditary cancer syndromes, an overview of genetic counseling and testing and who should consider meeting with a genetic counselor. After the presentation, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., put on a Mardi Gras mask, sample jambalaya and learn about the important role exercise plays in surviving cancer.

String musicians ages 8 to 16 with some ensemble experience can visit a rehearsal of the CSA Symphonette ensemble to see if the group is right for them.

Look Good ... Feel Better

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 12

Place: The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital

More information: 815-748-2958 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

This free program teaches women and girls actively undergoing cancer treatment beauty techniques for hair, skin and makeup to combat the appearance-related side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. All participants receive a free kit of cosmetics valued up to $200. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

How Serious is Congestive Heart Failure?

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 12

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Cardiologist Christopher J. Berry, MD, explains the different types of heart failure and how they effect the body. Learn about self management, medication and treatment options. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Myths About High Blood Pressure

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 13

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Cardiologist Asim Nisar, MD, dispels common misconceptions about this serious condition. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Singers ages 7 to 15 can visit a rehearsal of the CSA Children's Choir ensemble to see if the group is right for them. Treble voices only.

Classical Conversations Information Meetings

Time: 7 p.m.

Dates: Feb. 13 and 27

Place: Panera Bread

Classical Conversations is a community of home-school families that teach using the classical model and a biblical worldview.

GENOA

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Wednesdays; next, Jan. 30

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.

Newcomers

Time: Noon

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 30

Place: Cafe 72, 682 Park Ave.

More information: 815-784-5591 or sheerlady2@gmail.com

A new group for newcomers to the Genoa area to meet new people. The group will meet the last Wednesday of each month.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Date: First Saturday of each month; next, Feb. 2

Place: City Hall east lot

Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.

Bingo

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Every Tuesday; next, Feb. 5

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Genoa-Kingston Middle School

Cost: In advance, $30 each couple, $10 each additional child; at the door $35 per couple, $12 each additional child

More information: 815-784-5612

Presented by the Genoa Township Park District. Dancing, refreshments and contests. Each girl registered in advance receives a corsage. For girls 3 and older.

Mom-Son Sweetest Day Dance

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Genoa-Kingston Middle School

Cost: In advance, $30 each couple, $10 each additional child; at the door $35 per couple, $12 each additional child

More information: 815-784-5612

Presented by the Genoa Township Park District. Dancing, refreshments and contests. For boys 3 and older.

'Win, Lose or Draw Down'

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Tickets: $25

Only 200 tickets will be sold. More than $1,750 in cash prizes will be awarded. Tickets are available at Kingston Village Hall and from members of the Genoa-Kingston Athletic Booster Club.

HINCKLEY

Story Time

Time: 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays; next, Jan. 30

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

Stories, songs and crafts. Sign up by phone or at the front desk.

Family Math Night

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 31

Place: Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School

All grade levels will have age-appropriate math games to enjoy. Prizes will be given to the grade level with the most families in attendance. The computer lab will be open to explore Everyday Mathematics games online.

LEGO Day

Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 5

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

All LEGOs are supplied; do not bring LEGOs from home. Creations are put on display in the library. All ages.

Let's Talk Coffee: Mardi Gras Style

Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Hinckley Community Building

Cost: $15

More information: 815-739-1336 or parksandrec@hinckleyil.com

Learn to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Presenter Julie Morsch will feature chicory coffee, beignets and king cake in honor of Mardi Gras. Attendees will sample different coffees brewed in different styles. Learn about different types of coffees, different roasting methods and different brewing methods that all affect the final cup. There will be coffee-related door prizes.

Anti-Valentine's Day Party

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 13

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

Not a fan of the "greeting card holiday?" Visit the library for games, snacks and trivia.

Financial writer Lynn O'Shaughnessy, author of "The College Solution: A Guide for Everyone Looking for the Right School at the Right Price," will present strategies for cutting through college marketing hype and finding the most affordable schools.

Toddler Time

Time: 10 a.m.

Dates: Tuesdays; next, Feb. 5

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Songs and stories for children 18 months to 3 years old and their caregivers.

Menu includes barbecued chicken and rip tips, rotisserie pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad, applesauce, coleslaw, rolls and dessert. Tickets available at the door or in advance at the veterans home, Country Store & Catering, 456 N. Main St. in Sycamore, the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, 407 W. State St. in Sycamore and Pay-It-Forward House, 719 Somonauk St. in Sycamore.

Safe Passage Evening of Chocolate

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: St. Mary's Memorial Hall, 322 Waterman St.

Tickets: Adults, $25; children younger than 12, free

More information: 815-756-7930 or www.safepassagedv.org

A light buffet meal and an assortment of chocolate treats. There will be a silent auction, small-item raffle and 50/50 cash raffle. Proceeds benefit Safe Passage.

A Note to Remember

Time: 7 – 11 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Blumen Gardens

Tickets: $20

More information: 815-757-5688, www.sycamoremusicboosters.com or note2remember@gmail.com

Hors d'oeuvres, coffee bar, cash bar and live music from Chris Johnson, Diana Carls, the Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble and other local ensembles. There will also be a raffle and silent auction. Adults only. Tickets are limited and are on sale at Sycamore school concerts, at the Sycamore High School main office or via phone or email. Proceeds benefit the Sycamore Music Boosters.

Valentine Dance

Time: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Sycamore Moose Lodge #1506, 317 W. State St.

Dance to the band Destination Unknown. There will be raffles, including a 50/50 raffle to benefit Austin and Karen Howard to help with medical expenses.

Career Works: Jump Start Your Job Search

Time: 2 p.m.

Dates: Second Monday of each month; next, Feb. 11

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Each month, a different speaker presents ideas to help with job searching. There is also time to network with other searchers.

Bright Futures Kickoff

Time: 4 – 5 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 11

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Jeremy Benson from Northern Illinois University STEM Outreach will demonstrate a Van de Graff generator, a Jacob's ladder and the "electrified pickle." Children can explore and experiment with new hands-on electric snap circuit kits that will begin circulating through the library. This program is for children in fourth through 12th grades; children in kindergarten through third grades are welcome with an adult.

'Meals for a Healthy Heart'

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Dates: Feb. 12 and 19

Place: University of Illinois Extension, 1350 W. Prairie Drive

Cost: $15

More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo

In this two-session class, students will learn how to shop for and stock a heart-healthy pantry, how to include more fruits and vegetables into daily meals, how to select and use healthy oils and fats, ways to include fish, soy, legumes nuts and seeds into their diets and more. Class includes recipes, cooking demonstrations and tastings. Registration is preferred.

WATERMAN

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Thursdays; next, Jan. 31

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.